Check out the new Gallery
wicked red 1100
wicked red 1100
by mag10, August 21
Windshield I need to replace
Windshield I need to replace
by philwarner, May 10
first ride
first ride
by NemoJr, April 1
Steve McQueen inspired
Steve McQueen inspired
by Feral, November 28
GaRally22
GaRally22
by chy, September 18
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Tips for riding in the rain
#389418 05/22/2010 12:33 AM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
OP Offline
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
I got stuck in some rain on the way home from work yesterday (thanks awesome weather forecasters ) and it made me think of posting this. When it comes to riding in rain, I really feel uneasy when any kind of turning is involved. I get this paranoid feeling that the wheels are just going to slip out from under me at any given moment, and I get a tendency to tense up a bit, like I don't want to lean the bike very much. I also am a hawk for painted lines and manhole covers when turning, which I guess is good but it's all I see, I end up looking down at the road instead of where I'm going. I really have no reason to be so paranoid other than a lack of experience in the wet. usually if it's going to rain I leave the bike home. I mean sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do, but I avoid it when possible. So, short story long, I was wondering if anyone had any wet weather riding tips for not only me, but maybe some others who are wondering as well.


06 America 904
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389419 05/22/2010 6:11 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
Offline
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 6
Sure, I've got a tip. Be doubly vigilant watching the cage drivers. Rain either brings out the nut cases, or amplifies their poor judgement. I've noticed through the years, the worst behavior happens in the first ten minutes of a rain, only compounding the slickest time of a rain.


Fidelis et Fortis
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
arstaren #389420 05/22/2010 4:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Always remember that the first rain after a dry spell brings the oils out of the road which makes things extra slippy

But, the more wet weather riding you do, the more confident you'll become.
Not necessarily like it more though


Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
brindle #389421 05/23/2010 4:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Bryn makes a good point. If possible it's an idea to let 'er rain for a half hour or so before heading out. That way the oils lifting from the road have a chance to wash away. As you yourself pointed out Scott, avoid manhole covers, and painted surfaces... come to a stop BEFORE the painted line across the road at an intersection for example. Use caution on railway tracks, bridge grates, wood (as in old bridges) and here's a good one... WET LEAVES!!

It's surprising how much traction there actually is on a wet road. The easiest way to test traction is to feel for it with your rear brake. Assuming you know how much deceleration you get on dry pavement before the rear tire breaks loose, you have a gauge of what's available if you repeat the test when the road is wet. If you do this at moderate speeds on a flat, straight road it won't become a thrill ride.

Other thoughts... still use the front brake but use it gingerly. The obvious... run with good tire with decent tread. Dress properly for the occasion... being cold and wet slows reactions and causes the rider to stiffen up. Maximize the ability to see but turning your head from one side to the other to help blow the rain away from visors or goggles.

I also try NOT to ride in depressions made on high traffic roads by the weight of vehicles rolling along. Yeah... getting in there can cause hydroplaning which is no fun at all!!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389422 05/23/2010 4:24 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 144
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 144
Reminds me of the time I ran into a rainstorm, wisely pulled over and gave it
15-20 minutes to wash the oils etc. off and had a really pleasant ride... until I
over took the leading edge of the rainstorm and found some really fresh oil patches. Nice lesson learned. I do like riding in the rain, just with a bunch of extra caution. And you are so right, a big difference riding in a warm rain than a very cold one.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389423 05/23/2010 9:48 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
Offline
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
I feel the same way. I try not to go out if its raining if it can be avoided. I also stiffen up (pucker up as well) and I used to have a tendency to focus on the hazards.

Step one...know that you have the issues....you got that covered.
Step two...relax a bit. Your there and theres no getting out of it so relax just a bit. My personal biggest fear was the tires slipping out as well BUT those tires have more grip than most of us use even in the dry. Keep your eyes open for the hazards...manhole covers, painted lines, cobblestones, deep water, etc....just like you have been doing.
Step three...remember...you WILL go where your looking, even in the rain so know your hazards and look through your turns. This is the one that used to get me.
Step four...slow down. Not so slow that you become a hazard but slow down. Im sure you got this one covered already as well.

I rode in the rain yesterday cause I had no option. No issues, kept my cool, kept my speed acceptable, kept my eyes open, kept my head turned when making turns and all was well. I actually had a good time.


SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389424 05/23/2010 10:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Here's two tips for you.
1. Ride one gear lower than normal. It increases the compression braking,
so you don't have to squeeze quite so
hard on the regular brakes.
2. Reach down on the left side of your carbs and adjust the
idle speed slower. This lets the throttle slides close a little
bit more and adds even more compression braking. In a Florida Monsoon,
I'll set the idle at about 900rpm. You have to keep one hand
on the throttle at stoplights, though, or it'll stall.


Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow The Hayabusa Killa 16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled Procom CDI "There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
BrianT #389425 05/24/2010 9:17 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164
Likes: 1
Should be Riding
Offline
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164
Likes: 1
Interesting ideas. Never thought of those, but they make sense.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389426 05/24/2010 9:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 3
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 3
Quote:

I was wondering if anyone had any wet weather riding tips for not only me, but maybe some others who are wondering as well.




Though I usually avoid rain, practice does make perfect. Occasionally, I'll suit up and ride when I've got no particular place to be. After the first dozen or so miles, it's relaxing.

No traffic though.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389427 05/25/2010 4:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126
Likes: 13
moe Offline
Should be Riding
Offline
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126
Likes: 13
Ride only as fast as the conditions allow. This is not to say to ride below the speed limit nor above it, but usually riding under the limit is the safest bet. Ride at the limit or over, only when conditions allow. Animals sometimes like to play in the rain. Lookout for 'em scurrying about on the road. Seal any electronics in freezer grade ziplock baggies. Wallet too. Try not to be next to cages or behind them. If so open up a three second space. Don't break traction. Constant throttle though turns with no throttle chop or roll on. Being in the correct gear is essential. When vertical again, moderate throttle to speed so you don't break the back tire free. Puddles suck. Painted lines suck. You will break the rear tire on paint if you get hot on the roll over. Tuck in at speed so the rain won't sandblast you. Reach down every so often and pull the rainsuit legs back down over the top of your boots. again. Ignore the trickle of water running off the back of your helmet, down the inside of the back of your jacket. Take longer at rest stops as fatigue has a quicker onset. Pray that the complete change of clothes you have already placed in ziplock bags doesn't spring a leak! Stay at a hotel that has a hair dryer so you can dry out your stanky digs. Promise yourself you will not tear up your rainsuit as you step out of it half soaked!


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
moe #389428 05/26/2010 11:52 PM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
OP Offline
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Good advice guys.


06 America 904
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389429 05/28/2010 12:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Just rode today for about 5 hours in rain... sometimes very heavy rain. What were the TOP concerns I had to address during this ride? Being able to see and level of comfort.


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389430 05/30/2010 12:59 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 246
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 246
I ride in the rain a good deal. I agree with BrianT that being a gear lower helps. I've never tried adjusting idle speed before, I'll be sure to test it out soon. I try to keep my tires a few psi deflated from the recommended psi. Being able to see is pretty crucial. I usually carry some fog-x anti fog wipes with me.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389431 05/31/2010 8:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
Offline
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
I won't start out in the rain or if there is a good chance of rain either. But if I get stuck in it I get stuck in it. The biggest thing to remember is ride at a speed that you feel comfortable with and be careful the first 10-15 minutes of rain. A rainsuit makes for a lot more comfortable or pleasent ride. It sucks to have to ride for hours being soak and wet to the bone. I got stuck riding about 250 miles a couple years ago coming home from the Nor East Rally. I purchased some Frogg Toggs just for that trip. It actually wasn't a bad trip being prepared for the rain. MAKE SURE YOUR TIRES ARE NOT BALD!! You are just asking for trouble with bald tires. A lot of good points were brought up here. Just be careful out there and keep the rubber side down.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
69tri1 #389432 06/13/2010 1:29 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630
Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
Offline
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630
Likes: 7
I don't set out in the rain but I don't let moderate chances of rain make me stay off the bike either. I've been wet before and I'll be wet again. I figure that my skin is water tight and I'll get to change clothes when I get where I'm going. That said, try to avoid the painted arrows and crosswalk lines, they can be slippery, ditto steel strips on bridges and steel bridges themselves, give yourself more room to stop and accelerate more slowly, assume you are even MORE invisible, I stay on the highest/driest part of the road, and if you're going on a long trip pack some good rain gear.


We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
ladisney #389433 06/14/2010 6:44 PM
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
Offline
Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15
Just read this thread and am jealous that so many people have the option of not riding in the rain. There are occasional days here when it's sunny and doesn't rain but it's the exception. I am thinking of moving to southern france just so I can ride in the sun!!

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
stiobhan #389434 06/14/2010 7:22 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Quote:

Just read this thread and am jealous that so many people have the option of not riding in the rain.




You said it brother


Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
brindle #389435 06/15/2010 5:57 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 208
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 208
I got stuck in a thundstorm only 1/2 mile from home. I slowed down and stayed in the right lane and I was really nervous. Then the wind started. It started to blast me from the right side and was over 60 mph. One time only two blocks from home it blew me into the left lane. Both tires lost traction and the entire bike scooted over 10 feet to the left because of the wind gust. At that point I pulled over to the right and parked the bike and waited until the wind died down to a more reasonable level and drove home very carefully.

That was an experience I do not want to repeat.


07 Speedmstr, Long Tors, bags, sissy bar and rack, windshield, engine bars, 2 ww lights, 2 fast eddy stickers and a .45 ACP.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
DanCorrigan #389436 06/15/2010 7:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Yeah, strong cross-winds are a lot worse than rain, I wouldn't like to drive the van in conditions like Dan described. Never mind ride a bike


Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
brindle #389437 06/16/2010 2:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Quote:

Yeah, strong cross-winds are a lot worse than rain, I wouldn't like to drive the van in conditions like Dan described. Never mind ride a bike




Well, this is a bit OT but a friend once suffered a terrible accident due to wind. Yeah, he was blown right off an overpass and landed in a heap 30' below. Ouch!!!! He still rides but has to climb on the bike as it sits on it's stand, using the pegs as ladder rungs to get up and on.

That was wind alone. Wind and rain? Now that's even more trouble!!!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389438 06/29/2010 10:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217
Likes: 61
Fe Butt
Online Content
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217
Likes: 61
Manhole covers, rail road tracks, leaves, and lines painted on the road are all very slippery when wet. Also right after it starts to rain oils and such are still there making the road surface slippery. To lessen that risk keep your tires where the car tires run, there is less oil there.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
The_Dog33 #389439 07/02/2010 8:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
Offline
Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Spilled diesel is treacherous in the wet. Trucks with full fuel tanks often spill diesel out their tank overflow on corners. Their diesel usually spills on the outside wheel track of the corner so it pays to ride the inside wheel track on corners in the wet.


Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
foglefar #389440 07/03/2010 11:10 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
I got stuck riding in a torrent of rain on the way to Lake George. rain suit 1/2 helmet & no bandana to cover my face. ended up riding one handed to block the needles from my face. it sucked.

just remenber to be smooth when the weather gets nasty, trust your tires. ever watch bikes racing in the rain? Smooth.


"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Gurdy #389441 07/08/2010 8:23 AM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 348
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 348
Investing in good rain gear sounds kind of simple but it does magic. I got used to riding in the rain quite a bit when I lived in the UK. Being able to stay dry while you are getting dumped on always gives me a sense of security that things are not out of control. Make a deliberate effort to keep your bike straight up and down more than what you usually do. This will force you to slow down in the turns and not lean your angle too much. The more of a lean...the less tire contact on the surface. Those are the two biggest things for me...keeping dry and having the most tire surface coverage that I can at all times. You will be surprised how these bikes handle in the rain when that is done; I have traveled through some real whoppers of a storm. Of course in the UK, you can start out with a beautiful and sunny day and two hours later be in a monsoon that showed up out of nowhere. I just got used to it.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Trumpeteer #389442 07/08/2010 9:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217
Likes: 61
Fe Butt
Online Content
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217
Likes: 61
I keep a leather face mask the covers my nose and cheeks and goes down onto my upper chest and a pair of brown jersey gloves in my jacket pockets.I also keep a dew rag in my jacket pocket with those 3 simple items I am always ready for rain, I get wet but it doesn't hurt at 70mph.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
The_Dog33 #389443 07/09/2010 3:02 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
I wear a dickey of sorts... a leather garment that fits the description of Ian's face mask. It zips up around my chin and face thus covering most of the exposed areas of my face.

But I'm still on the look out for a good finger wiper blade to clear my goggles when I need it. There are gloves with a wiper blade built into the thumb (But I thought it should be attached to the index finger). I once was shown a pair of gloves with the wiper built into the throttle hand glove! Huh? Since then I've hear of a wiper that attaches to the finger of a glove with a Velcro fastener. That sounds like a good idea and I'll either make or find one for those wet and rainy rides.


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389444 07/09/2010 7:12 AM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Rain tales

In the center of my small town there is a right angle corner with two heavily painted crosswalks across it. Some time ago I rounded said curve in a downpour at just a wee bit above traction speed, and the bike slide out from under me on the wet paint. As I was only going around 5 or 10 MPH, no injury came to me, and I recall laughing about it at the time. There was a funeral home there with 50 or so people outside to witness the spectacle. (My "incidents" ALWAYS happen with at least one or two witnesses to pass the sordid tales along) One gent got fairly frantic and wanted to call the police. Lucky for me I had a full face helmet on, and was able to stave off any embarrassment due to my anonymity. Hearing the word "police" gave me an extra few drops of adrenaline, and I picked the old girl up in no time, and rode away just as a police car was rounding the bend in the other direction. I rode home and stashed the bike in the woods just to be sure. Here in CT single vehicle accidents usually earn the operator a ticket for "Speed too fast for conditions." It's our little way of adding insult to injury, while putting a few bucks into the system. Never did mention the get off to my wife. Shh! Why worry her for no good reason?

Old fart with a bruised ego and a bent brake lever - 1
Police - 0

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Bucky #389445 07/09/2010 2:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
Offline
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Biggest tip I was told about riding in the rain, is too take it easy. Don't push yourself or the bike. Don't stab hard on the brakes or gun the gas. Just be smooth.
Oh and we had a wicked ride back from Dinqua's rally one year, heavy rain, hail, miserable. Uncle Charlie decided he'd sleep for a another couple hours. He had the same ride, just sunny. So sometimes it worth pulling over and waiting.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Dill #389446 07/12/2010 4:22 PM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
Offline
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Sleep?
Beercoma would be a better word

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Bucky #389447 07/13/2010 11:42 AM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Quote:

Rain tales

In the center of my small town there is a right angle corner with two heavily painted crosswalks across it. Some time ago I rounded said curve in a downpour at just a wee bit above traction speed, and the bike slide out from under me on the wet paint. As I was only going around 5 or 10 MPH, no injury came to me, and I recall laughing about it at the time. There was a funeral home there with 50 or so people outside to witness the spectacle. (My "incidents" ALWAYS happen with at least one or two witnesses to pass the sordid tales along) One gent got fairly frantic and wanted to call the police. Lucky for me I had a full face helmet on, and was able to stave off any embarrassment due to my anonymity. Hearing the word "police" gave me an extra few drops of adrenaline, and I picked the old girl up in no time, and rode away just as a police car was rounding the bend in the other direction. I rode home and stashed the bike in the woods just to be sure. Here in CT single vehicle accidents usually earn the operator a ticket for "Speed too fast for conditions." It's our little way of adding insult to injury, while putting a few bucks into the system. Never did mention the get off to my wife. Shh! Why worry her for no good reason?

Old fart with a bruised ego and a bent brake lever - 1
Police - 0




Great story, well told, Martin.


Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Gurdy #389448 07/13/2010 6:15 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507
Quote:

ended up riding one handed to block the needles from my face. it sucked.



Been there. That does suck.

1. Slow down
2. Road paint is slick.
3. Maintain extra distance from cagers
4. Rain Gear
5. More frequent stops/breaks


2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Madrid #389449 07/13/2010 8:46 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Adjunct
Offline
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Always carry raingear on trips. Frogg toggs fold to near nothing & keep me 80% dry.


"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Gurdy #389450 07/14/2010 1:09 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Not wanting to start a tire thread but just saying... as for riding in the rain, tires can really make a difference. My Trophy came to me with Metzler Sportec M3s front and rear and they stay glued to the road in rain. I rode my bike home from the far away dealership in torrential downpours... the kind that makes the backdrop a solid wall of blue-gray wetness. The kind of rain that floods the road and causes huge wet-outs with oncoming traffic. The kind of rain that made me the ONLY bike on the road. I was in this stuff for 5 hours. The whole time I cruised at 70 MPH through mountain passes and the bike stayed planted to the road the whole time.

So yeah, tires make a HUGE difference. Mind you, sticky tires don't last too long... but the rider tends to outlive the tires over and over again. If rain is a considerable part of your riding experience, consider a sticky tire such as the Metzler Sportec M3. One critic said this of the M3s...

"The M-3's compound is called "DuraSil", and contains a lot more silica than the compound of its predecessor. The silica works to enhance wet weather performance in the Sportec M3."


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389451 07/14/2010 2:35 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
Offline
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Quote:



But I'm still on the look out for a good finger wiper blade to clear my goggles when I need it.




http://ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1628

Love these.


"Let your soul shine, It's better than sunshine, It's better than moonshine, ****** sure better than rain." -ABB
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
ATriumphGoddess #389452 07/14/2010 3:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
Offline
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Quote:

Quote:



But I'm still on the look out for a good finger wiper blade to clear my goggles when I need it.




http://ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1628

Love these.




There we go. Thank you Paula!!


Live to love, love to live.
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
Keith #389453 08/22/2010 8:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
Offline
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10
since moving to the south and into (almost) year-round warm weather and selling the van, i ride my bike about 99% of the time. our only car is wifey's and she keeps it.

when school is wide open, i ride about 30 miles round trip to my afternoon class and have to ride in the rain occasionally. my tips are just to keep an eye on the weather.

if there is a chance of precip, i carry my rain gear. staying dry makes a rainy day comfortable, which helps keep a good mindset. you don't have to feel rushed to get in out of the rain. i increase following distance, slow down overall and i STAY OFF painted lines as much as possible. when i make turns on the lines, i plan them so i can stay upright.

of course, this is a routine drive and i have these spots memorized. i doubt i would take off into 'unchartered' territory in the rain.


...and on the eighth day, God said "Let's ride!"
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
rideOn #389454 08/23/2010 3:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126
Likes: 13
moe Offline
Should be Riding
Offline
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126
Likes: 13
Quote:

... i doubt i would take off into 'unchartered' territory in the rain.




A good rule of thumb is to pretend you don't have any brakes (increases reaction time) and a really slow throttle. (A good wack on the throttle and you'll know why a slow throttle is good). Stay away from puddles as how deep are they really? Stay in the fast lane as the outside lanes hold water. And yes those painted lines, rr tracks, and steel surfaces are as slick as a gnats rear end. Beware of cages splashing you too. Other than that 'unchartered' territory is easy peasy.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
KaiserSoze #389455 10/07/2010 6:11 AM
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
Offline
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2
A mixture of road grit and water turns out to be the fastest method to erode rubber brake pads. Pads that last a full season in the dry will run metal to metal on the rims in a month of wet-weather training rides. Also, most rims require a full revolution before the brake pads squeegee the water from the braking surface and begin stopping. Plan ahead and brake early.

Re: Tips for riding in the rain
adaptivradar #389456 10/07/2010 10:38 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393
Likes: 1
Second Wind
Offline
Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393
Likes: 1
onces I was on my way home from Littlerock Arkansas. The weather was great until I got about half way through Texas. I ran in to a rain storm on 59 in the middle of nowhere. It rained so hard and so sudden it was freaky. I couldnt see more that a few feet in front of me. finally I found an old car wash and pulled in until it stoped. thats the worst rain story I don't carry rain gear so when it rains I try to pull over, its not always possible. some times you have to tough it out. You got it all right slow down watch for hazards such as paint, puddles, and pot holes. more than all that watch the idiots in cars they are tuned out, turned off, and dont care. I cant count the number of near misses because of some jack a$$(usually a woman in a car) with a cell phone, or chatting up some one in the other seat.


I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago. Edgar Allan Poe
Re: Tips for riding in the rain
StandingBull #389457 10/13/2010 3:00 PM
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Greenhorn
Offline
Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
It's good to know I'm not the only one who is nervous or doesn't like to ride in the rain! My first time was during a rain/hail/lightning...will never forget it or repeat it!

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  chy, freedom, mert 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4